Slide Rail Bracket Assembly with Auto-Locking for Rack Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slide rail assemblies face issues with manual operation failure of the lock mechanism, leading to potential relative displacement of brackets when manual operation is impossible.

Innovation Solution

A supporting assembly with a locking member that engages with multiple working features on a bracket to maintain predetermined positions, allowing for relative displacement and secure mounting on a rack using an operating member to switch between locking and unlocking states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual lock mechanism is used to prevent relative displacement of brackets, then the brackets can be securely locked, but the operation may fail when manual operation is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmanual operation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism automatically locks the second bracket to the first bracket without requiring manual operation. The biasing member automatically engages the locking member with the working feature when the second bracket reaches the predetermined position, eliminating the need for manual knob rotation or intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation (knob rotation) with an automatic mechanical system using a biasing member (spring) that provides force to drive the locking member into engagement with the working feature, substituting human action with automated mechanical force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the locking member is always engaged to prevent displacement, then the brackets remain secure, but the brackets cannot be adjusted to different positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebracket position stabilityVSAvoidposition adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The biasing member allows the locking member to automatically engage at predetermined positions while still permitting movement between positions. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the bracket's position, providing both stability during operation and flexibility during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The working feature on the second bracket includes multiple discrete engagement points (first working feature, second working feature) at different positions. The locking member can engage with different segments of the working feature to maintain different predetermined positions, allowing the system to provide stable locking at multiple discrete locations while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If additional hardware is added to ensure secure mounting, then the mounting reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidhardware quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated lock mechanism. The locking member serves both to prevent relative displacement between brackets and to secure the mounting to the rack post. The biasing member provides both the locking force and the automatic engagement capability, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it prevents relative displacement of brackets, secures mounting to the rack post, and provides automatic engagement. The single locking member works with the working feature to achieve both bracket stabilization and secure mounting without requiring additional specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4672880A1Supporting assembly and method of mounting the aforementioned supporting assembly on a rack

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A supporting assembly(20) is provided and includes a first bracket(22), a second bracket(24), a locking member(26), a working feature(28a,28b). The first bracket(22) and the second bracket(24) are displaceable relative to each other along a longitudinal direction. The locking member(26) is movable between a locking state(S1) and an unlocking state(S2)locking state(S 1) relative to the first bracket(22). The working feature(28a,28b) is arranged on the second bracket(24). When the first bracket(22) is located at a predetermined position(P1,P2) relative to the second bracket(24), the locking member(26) in the locking state(S1) is configured to engage with the working feature(28a,28b) to maintain the first bracket(22) at the predetermined position(P1,P2) relative to the second bracket(24). Besides, a method of mounting the aforementioned supporting assembly(20) on a rack(86) is also provided.